Spicy and Savory Skate Fish Curry (Gulai Ikan Pari Pedas dan Gurih) 😘

Dive into the rich and flavorful world of Indonesian cuisine with this delightful Gulai Ikan Pari, a spicy and savory skate fish curry that beautifully balances the creamy coconut milk with the warmth of spices. Perfect for those who appreciate a hearty dish that’s as vibrant as it is satisfying, this recipe will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Indonesia with every bite.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 kg Skate Fish, cleaned and cut into cubes
1½ cups Coconut Milk (freshly made from coconut)
3 Kaffir Lime Leaves
2 Bay Leaves
1 stalk Lemongrass, bruised
1 piece Galangal, bruised
Brown Sugar and Salt, to taste
1½ teaspoons Ground Pepper
1 Red Tomato, diced
1 Green Tomato, diced
1 bunch Basil (or Thai basil)
Bird’s Eye Chilies, whole, to taste
Cooking Oil, for sautéing

Ground Spice Mix

10 Shallots
5 Cloves Garlic
3 cm Grilled Turmeric
2 cm Ginger
10 Roasted Candlenuts
100 grams Red Chilies

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Begin by washing the skate fish thoroughly under cold running water. Once cleaned, cut the fish into cubes according to your preference, setting aside for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Spice Mix

In a large skillet or wok, heat a generous amount of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the ground spice mixture—composed of shallots, garlic, grilled turmeric, ginger, and roasted candlenuts—into the hot oil. Sauté this fragrant blend until it becomes aromatic, releasing the rich essence of the spices into the air.

Step 3: Incorporate Aromatics

Next, introduce the bruised lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and bay leaves to the skillet. Season with brown sugar and salt, stirring everything together. Continue to sauté until the mixture is fragrant and the oil begins to separate from the spices.

Step 4: Add Coconut Milk

Once your spices are perfectly cooked, pour in the freshly made coconut milk. Stir the mixture gently and bring it to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Cook the Fish

Carefully add the cubed skate fish along with the diced red and green tomatoes into the skillet. Gently stir to coat the fish with the aromatic curry sauce. Cook until the fish is tender and fully cooked through, taking care not to break up the fish too much during the process.

Step 6: Final Touches

Just before turning off the heat, fold in the fresh basil and whole bird’s eye chilies. This last step adds a vibrant freshness to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Step 7: Serve

Once everything is beautifully cooked and infused with flavors, remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the Gulai Ikan Pari to a serving dish and enjoy it hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or can be savored on its own for a delightful culinary experience.

Enjoy Your Meal!

This Spicy and Savory Skate Fish Curry is sure to become a favorite, inviting you to explore the depths of Indonesian flavors with every delicious spoonful. Happy cooking! 🍽️